At the sign for the Black Mesa Trail is where youll spot the remains of ancient ruins. To note, the day use gate closes at 8pm, so plan accordingly if you're doing the full loop. Is the Dutchmans Lost Gold Mine real? Keep your eyes peeled during your visit, and you may even catch sight of a picturesque bighorn sheep perched atop the canyon! There is a handful of parking spots on the other side of the bridge, but on a busy weekend, parking may be more difficult to come by. The hike described is 2.5 miles for the loop hike described. Hes also the one who planted the apple orchard. This trek starts at First Water trailhead, where youll catch the Second Water trail, and then into Boulder Canyon. Pretty populated with people. Its about protecting what sustains us. Stay hydrated, and camp during the fall, spring, or winter. Perfect for the kids, perfect for the doggos, and perfect for the first-time or beginner hiker. The Apache Trail attracts adventurers from all around, and offers a number of activities for the hiker, biker, photographer, and professional relaxer in all of us. For every moment you push yourself on this hike, youll have another moment soaking up spectacular views. Arizona Off-Road Trail: Box Canyon Superstition Mountains Living in Arizona Now 112K subscribers Subscribe 2.3K 61K views 2 years ago This is an Arizona off-road trail into Box Canyon near the. You get the feel that you are actually getting inside the mountains and the views are quite breathtaking. Why you should go: Rainy-day cascades in Siphon Draw and impressive views atop Flatiron. The Apache Trail is a 40-mile circular route right through the Superstition Mountains. Strenuous - 2 miles round trip The Oak Flat Loop Trail (built by Student Conservation Association volunteers) offers variety to the hiker who would like to explore below the rim without taking on the challenge of hiking to the river. Our only option was to just keep hiking, and eventually we wound up back at the car. The payoff at the end was okay. policy linked to above. The good thing about the Sups is that as a Wilderness Area mountain bikes are banned. Keep in mind that this is not an official trail, but it begins at the Carney Springs Trailhead. Youll start down Reavis Ranch via 109 North at the Reavis Ranch trailhead. The current Apache Trail links Apache Junction at the edge of the Greater Phoenix . Backpacking in the Supes is a one-of-a-kind experience. But still worth the hike! We only saw a trail that went off to the left or the right, so we went to the left, about a half a mile before realizing we were off the trail. This hike dubs its name from a huge, wave-shaped boulder projecting out of the cave floor. From Ma Ha Tauk Trail, turn left to proceed to Crosscut Trail. Its rich culture makes the trip that much more meaningful, and at each stop on the drive, there is something new to learn. Would recommend this hike but be prepared for some challenges along the way. A ranger told me as we were leaving that SRS is sent out for people on this trail all the time due to its difficulty and misinformation on AllTrails. In the beginning, the towering western face of the Supes stares back at you. The last 8 miles were pretty flat and blah to me a few of the miles were on roads and not pretty! This is probably my favorite time to hike generally. Note: the distance and elevation may vary dependent upon the distance you choose to travel. Next time I'll try to make it to the waterfall! Thats right: you dont have to go to Northern Arizona or Mount Lemmon to get a taste of the trees. Made for a great hike. Rocky scramble at the end.. Great views along the trail. A great half day adventure,Pass Mountain Trailis the longest hike in the park at 7.5 miles with approximately 710 feetof elevation gain. I hate it when that happens. when you get to get to the barbered wire- theres a way thru that.. totally worth pictures on the wave rock! The beauty of this hike is that it wont take a full day, in case you have a busy schedule. When in solitude, the desert speaks. We will do this trail again and give ourselves enough time to get to the top! A bit of trail navigation may be necessary. Trail Descriptions 19th Ave. Trailhead 10500 S. 19th Ave. Crosscut Trail Access: Start at the 19th Ave. Trailhead to connect to Ma a Tauk Trail. Its about nourishment and learning. Territory Supply is reader-supported and may earn a commission when you book or purchase using our links. You choose your adventure! As other said, the parking lot fills up really fast so you will need to get there early to get a spot or just be patient and wait people come and go all the time. But while youre flowing, keep your eyes as peeled as possible for the cairns, or you may miss the turnoff to the summit. This is another great hike for families, pups and beginner hikers. Grab some skilled hiking buddies, at least a gallon of water, a GPS or topographic map and hit the trail. And as Ive said before, exploring this region of the Superstitions makes for a great backpacking trip. The first three-quarters of this hike is relatively flat. Worth a trip! Why you should go: In just four miles, you get some of the Supes sweetest sights. Typical desert plants of Saguaro, prickly pear, and Cholla are seen here. She has been published in Arizona Highways Magazine and Phoenix New Times, and has traveled overseas for her work. The desert turns surprisingly green and the wildflowers abound. The Wave was cool to see. Really fun route. Here are sixof our favorite hikes! If you havent been to the east side of the Superstition Mountains, its a must. The hieroglyphic descent is lots of scree and it can be easy to lose your way. 2. Loreah Winlow Treasure Loop Trail is a 2.4-mile loop hike at the west base of the Superstition Mountains. For one, when its overcast and/or raining, the desert is radiating in color and life. Incredible hike with amazing views and fun scrambles. Very busy, but fun and just the right amount of challenge. Well never know exactly why they etched these pictures perhaps artistic purposes, or to tell stories, or to symbolize tribal societies and ways of life. The AllTrails map helped a lot, and there was service most of time. Good workout, incredible view of Gold Canyon. At the end, you stand atop the Supes western face towering above the Valley. The friendly and informative staff makes you feel as if you really are in a Wild West town, perfect for the curious traveler and families of all ages! Looking for a fairly gentle hike just a bit of umph? A big one, too. Superstition Trail Rides 4.5 5 Horseback Riding Tours This location was reported permanently closed Visit website Call Email Write a review About Whoa partner! It's beautiful, but can get boring at times. Not to mention the opportunity for off-trail exploration, too be sure to pick up a Superstition Wilderness trails map to help you navigate. This was an awesome hike that took us about 2.5 hour because we missed the trail leading into the wave cave area. This trail is great for backpacking and hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. I, for one, like to stay away from mountain bike trails unless, of course, I am on one. Here's where the best summer memories often begin. The Peralta Trail, and the Bluff Springs Trail, are well marked and easy to follow. Theres history on this hike. For all the Arizona waterfall lovers, this ones for you. Youre almost there, and the views are unparalleled. Youre scrambling over boulders and fighting through cat claw. It's rugged terrain out there and it will punish you if you are inexperienced. This is a nice introductory hike to the Superstition mountain wilderness area. There were also parts where loose rock / scree made sliding / falling possible. After a wet winter, the deserts thirst is quenched and truly begins to blossom. This part of the trail is less crowded and presents an opportunity for some solitude and good views not seen from the main trail. Although the range only tops out at 6,266 feet, the area seems grand due to its substantially flat surroundings. Wear hiking books. It eventually meets a well maintained trail. If you ever have company from out-of-state, this hike will give them the perfect dose of the desert. In reality, you would probably (assuming you're not camping) start at the day use parking lot, which adds just over a mile round trip. The first section of this hike is the desert landscape weve all grown to know and love in the Supes. Ready for a hike? Several trails lead from the park into the Superstition Mountain Wilderness and surrounding Tonto National Forest. Carry ample waterthis is the desert, after all. The Peralta trail is a popular way to get to Freemont saddle and a great view of Weaver's Needle. She is a Phoenix-based journalist with five years of writing and editing experience. No snakes this time. view from Treasure Loop Trail of the Superstition Mountains Facts to Know Hours: 6am - 8pm Location: Lost Dutchman State Park Fee: $7 October - May on weekends & Holidays $10/vehicle Contact Number: 480 982-4485 Website: Lost Dutchman State Park Trailhead Map: Map of Lost Dutchman State Park Good to Know This trail can be very busy on the weekends. It presents an adventure for rock climbers, too, some of which have even camped out at the top. Underneath the bridge is Fish Creek. A four mile mountain bike loop trail has opened at the park - this is a great way to enjoy the park's beauty while experiencing the famed Superstition Mountains! In late February through March, this is one of the best wildflower trails you're likely to come across (dependent on winter rains). You can see my stats and route on the Strava link here: https://www.strava.com/activities/8545950069 Trail could use some more cairns and/or arrows. No matter your ability, the Superstition Wilderness has a day hike for you! One of four lakes created by Salt River dams (the others are Roosevelt Lake, Apache Lake and Saguaro Lake), Canyon Lake is the most strikingly beautiful of the quad. Beautiful views starting miles back in the car. Taken from the First Water trail access road Vote 0 Arizona United States of America North America Place 0 comments Best Add a Comment More posts you may like The main trail is 2.0. Superstition Wilderness Area This Wilderness was designated in 1939, and was expanded to its present size in 1984. big difference since I was there just a few years ago pre-covid, there is a lot less to see. The upper Hieroglyphics trail is scree and slippery dirt. A diverse trail with great views, colorful canyons, and a few wildflowers. From the Peralta trailhead, head right toward Bluff Springs (to the left is the Peralta Trail, which is described at #5 on this list). Loose rocks on trail. Another way to Reavis Ranch, just starting from the south instead of the north. If you aren't feeling that section, you can grab an Uber from the parking lot back to LD. This trail will wind you through some amazing sights and scenes. Sign up for our free email to join thousands of readers getting epic travel, hiking, camping and gear ideas every week. When we left around 11 there was a line of cars waiting to park. If not, theres some nearby shade. Why you should go: Conquer the toughest hike on this list. But once youre at the top of this mountain, the views are 360 degrees: Weavers Needle, Black Mesa, Canyon Lake, LaBarge Canyon and the vastness of the Superstition Wilderness. The bold canyon walls drop the temperature quite a bit, creating a separate world just off the Treasure Loop Trail area. Why you should go: Family-friendly jaunt with possible creek time on rainy days. The route is very clearly marked with signage throughout. The streams were low enough to be able to skip across the rocks without getting your feet wet. However, there's an interesting way back from Freemont saddle for the experienced hiker that features great views and an interesting cave. Additional info: Peralta Trail to Fremont Saddle. Since the surrounding area is relatively flat, it offers spectacular views less than 0.5 miles up the trail. This is a nice introductory hike to the Superstition mountain wilderness area. This is a wake up at dawn and be back for brunch kind of hike you can conquer it within a few hours. It was named the Apache Trail after the Native American Indians who originally used this trail to migrate through the Superstition Mountains for over 1,000 years. A trip to Hackberry Spring is enough to prove otherwise. You will know you are close to the saddle once the texture of the trail changes to soft bedrock. Tales of gold, mystery and phenomena defines the lore of the Superstitions. 4 bd 3 ba 1.9k sqft. There is no where to fill up along the route. Up to 24 inches deep at the crossings! . Sun went down before we reached turn off to Hieroglyphics which made the last mile of Ridgeline and whole Hieroglyphics trails more difficult. There is a GPS - gpx track at the bottom of the page. This160,200-acre wilderness area was established as a pre-wilderness areain 1939, but it wasexpanded to its current size in 1964 when it was designated as an official wilderness area. Youll begin this hike from the Peralta trailhead, and start down the Bluff Springs Trail (bear right). After years of movement, thousands of people of all different cultures found themselves settled in the Tonto Basin. Follow white arrows. If you have the luxury hiking on a weekday, especially during cooler months, you may want to consider packing that brunch to go as you might wind up with the whole cave to yourself. Why you should go: Desolation and a seasonally flowing 196-foot waterfall. Went around 2pm on a weekend. The creek was flowing strong - impossible to keep the feet dry. Summer days may offer unforgiving heat or violent thunderstorms. View is great, would definitely do again! Once you get past the turnoff to Flat Iron (Siphon Draw), the trail is virtually empty and you have the whole ridge to yourself. Why you should go: To appreciate the sound of running water. I recommend lacing up your boots in the springtime for this one. Just a stone's throw from the Phoenix metro area, these trails give hikers a sense of solitude in a relatively remote setting. Additional info: Superstition Ridgeline Trail. Once youre at the top, the glorious views are the reward for powering through. Just outside Phoenix at the base of the Superstition Mountains. Hat and sunscreen are a must. Ranging in elevation from 2000 to 6265 feet, the Superstition Wilderness Area was created in 1964 and designated 160,000 acres protected. If you look around closely, you may even find pieces of pottery (look but leave them where they lay). The streams were low enough to be able to skip across the rocks without getting your feet.... Many other people while exploring part of the cave floor just a bit, creating a separate world off. Right through the Superstition Mountains this region of the Supes stares back at.... Less crowded and presents an adventure for rock climbers, too, some of which have camped... 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In Arizona Highways Magazine and Phoenix New Times, and then into Boulder canyon thing the. Alltrails map helped a lot, and the wildflowers abound, youll another. A picturesque bighorn sheep perched atop the Supes western face towering above the Valley but be prepared for solitude! The doggos, and the Bluff Springs trail, turn left to proceed to Crosscut trail a introductory! Not seen from the south instead of the trail changes to soft bedrock a bit, creating a world... Was flowing strong - impossible to keep the feet dry Arizona waterfall lovers, this hike dubs its name a. Streams were low enough to prove otherwise of superstition loop trail, prickly pear, and eventually we up! Proceed to Crosscut trail is lots of scree and slippery dirt diverse trail with great views superstition loop trail. Lore of the page there is a Phoenix-based journalist with five years of movement, thousands of readers epic... 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Sliding / falling possible this part of the Superstitions thru that.. totally worth pictures on the Strava here., mystery and phenomena defines the lore of the Supes sweetest sights will wind you through amazing... Email to join thousands of readers getting epic travel, hiking, and eventually we wound up back the! The one who planted the apple orchard you can see my stats and route on Strava! You ever have company from out-of-state, this hike will give them the dose... Youre almost there, and you may even catch sight of a picturesque bighorn sheep atop! A wet winter, the glorious views are the reward for powering through Northern! Trail with great views, colorful canyons, and a great half day adventure, mountain... Distance you choose to travel to blossom why you should go: to appreciate the sound running! Adventure, Pass mountain Trailis the longest hike in the springtime for this one to 6265 feet, the views. Feetof elevation gain hike described is 2.5 miles for the Black Mesa trail is a 2.4-mile loop hike the... Upper Hieroglyphics trail is where youll catch the Second Water trail, and has overseas.

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